Seven Minutes is the Optimum Length for Sex

It may come as a surprise to fans of romantic fiction, but the most desirable length for sex is just seven to 13 minutes, a survey of therapists has revealed.

They reported that one to two minutes in the sack was far 'too short' and three to seven minutes was barely 'adequate.' And contrary to popular fantasy, sleeping together for 10 to 30 minutes was judged as 'too long.'


Researchers questioned 50 members of the Society for Sex Therapy and Research, from psychologists to social workers and nurses.

Study authors Eric Corty and Jenay Guardiani of Penn State university said: 'A man's or woman's interpretation of his or her sexual functioning as well as the partner's relies on personal beliefs developed in part from society's messages, formal and informal.

'Unfortunately, today's popular culture has reinforced stereotypes about sexual activity.

'Many men and women seem to believe the fantasy model of large penises and all-night-long intercourse.'

Their past research had found that a large percentage of men and women had wanted sex to last 30 minutes or longer.

But Professor Corty, said: 'This seems a situation ripe for disappointment and dissatisfaction.

'With this survey, we hope to dispel such fantasies and encourage men and women with realistic data about acceptable sexual intercourse, thus preventing sexual disappointments and dysfunctions.'

The survey's research also has implications for treatment of people with existing sexual problems.

'If a patient is concerned about how long intercourse should last, these data can help shift the patient away from a concern about physical disorders and to be initially treated with counseling, instead of medicine,' Professor Corty said.

The findings were published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine.

Sourcee: dailymail.co.uk